One of the most important parts of a memorable party is the first impression guests get as they arrive, it has been noted.

Party planning expert Liz Taylor wrote in a column for Female First that are all sorts of ways to create the “wow factor” at event venues, highlighting how creativity – especially at the start of the night – can be effective.

She said: “The more budget you have to work with, the more creativity you can apply to the mission. Remember the welcome – that first impression. You could create a memorable event from the point that guests arrive.”

Among her other recommendations were to have a central focal point to the evening, consider hiring live entertainment, harness the element of surprise and end the night “on a real high note”.

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations coming up in June, there are plenty of people around the country planning events. Freshbusinnessthinking.com reporter Daniel Hunter suggested the scale of the celebrations will “surpass anything experienced for decades”.

He pointed out how there have so far been 1,000 more road closure applications for street parties for the occasion than there were for the royal wedding last spring – around 6,500 have been received.

Councillor Flick Lea, chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, told the resource that the number of applications is “amazing”, particularly since there are still two months to go.